Guy Clark was a particularly gifted songwriter. He held a pivotal role among a ground-breaking and influential group of singers, songwriters and performers that shaped a new way of writing – among them Townes Van Zandt, Rodney Crowell and Steve Earle.

Clark was strong-minded as was his wife Susanna and together they were a formidable pair. Clark’s passing on 17 May this year was a huge loss. This bio (Texas A&M University Press) comes at a perfect time.

Grammy-winning producer Tamara Saviano explores the author’s friendship with Clark and the deep connection Susanna shared with Van Zandt. All three were extremely close. Saviano’s research and background work were extensive, including over 200 interview subjects and she recounts her surprise that every single one of them checked with Clark before agreeing to talk, such was the esteem in which he was held. According to the author,

‘…he gave them all the same answer: “I’m not out to rewrite the truth. Just tell her everything. Don’t hold back.”’

Saviano’s 400-page book was started way back in 2008 and was completed just before Clark passed away. The title is now available for pre-order (I’ve just ordered my copy) here or here.

“It was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. I went back to every part of Guy’s life and found the people who were there at that time,” Saviano says. “I learned details that nobody else knew, including his closest friends.”

Saviano moved to Nashville in the 1990s to work in radio promotions at Capitol Records, then segued to Country Music magazine, where she became managing editor. Moving to TV, she became operations manager/producer at the Great American Country cable network, and has since served as a publicist, project manager and artist manager for some of Nashville’s top talent. Her credits include producing Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster, which won the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album, and The Pilgrim: A Celebration of Kris Kristofferson, a 70th-birthday tribute album. She also published a memoir, The Most Beautiful Girl: A True Story of a Dad, a Daughter and the Healing Power of Music, in 2014.